Restaurant Accident Claims
Going out for a meal at a restaurant is a pleasure enjoyed by couples, families and friends across the UK. Whether you want Chinese, Indian,…
Read moreFood allergy compensation claims
Contact our friendly team of legal advisers today to find out if you can make a No Win No Fee food allergy compensation claim.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Food allergies affect a large number of people in the UK. They can cause a range of symptoms, some of which are severe and potentially life-threatening. Because of this, all businesses that sell, produce or deliver food have a legal duty to inform customers if their products contain any allergens, such as peanuts, milk, eggs, sesame or tree nuts.
If you had an allergic reaction as a result of inadequate food labelling, you may be able to claim compensation. If you make a successful food allergy claim, this will cover the pain and suffering caused to you, as well as the related out-of-pocket expenses.
To find out if you are eligible to claim compensation, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back. An experienced solicitor will offer you a free case assessment and answer all your questions.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly labels specific proteins in food as harmful invaders. When this happens, it will launch an immune response and send antibodies to fight off the threat and protect you.
The chemicals released with this response lead to a wide range of symptoms that can affect the skin, GI tract and respiratory system or even cause systemic reactions. These are typically mild but can be very serious for some people. It is essential for individuals with such allergies to identify their trigger foods and take precautions to avoid exposure to them.
The signs and symptoms of a food allergy can vary significantly from one person to another and may range from mild to severe. Some of the most common ones include:
These symptoms may appear immediately after you have consumed the food you are allergic to or even hours or days later. It is worth mentioning that a food allergy is different from food poisoning, which is caused by ingesting food contaminated with harmful bacteria or other germs.
Yes, certain foods can cause anaphylaxis in some individuals. This is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and affect multiple organ systems in the body. It is an exaggerated immune response triggered by exposure to certain foods such as peanuts, shellfish, fish, milk or eggs.
During anaphylaxis, the body releases a flood of chemicals, including histamine, which can cause a range of symptoms that may include:
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, as it can quickly progress and become life-threatening. The primary treatment is epinephrine (adrenaline) injected into the muscle, which helps reverse the symptoms. You may also receive oxygen to help you breathe and antihistamines and cortisone to reduce inflammation.
If you have a food allergy, you will not be able to consume the product you are allergic to or any products that contain them. Thus, you should carefully read the ingredient labels on any pre-packed food or menus at restaurants. If a business fails to warn you about allergens and you have an allergic reaction, you may be able to make a food allergy compensation claim against them.
The two main types of medication used to relieve food allergy symptoms are antihistamines and adrenaline. Antihistamines are effective in mild allergic reactions and work by blocking the effects of histamine. If you are at risk of anaphylaxis, your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). It is essential to carry this medication at all times and know how to use it properly in case of accidental exposure to allergens.
If you have suffered a food allergy after eating packaged food or at a restaurant, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. The easiest way to find out if you have a valid case is through a free consultation over the phone with a friendly legal adviser. They will usually ask you some questions to check the validity of your claim:
If all these apply to your case, the solicitor will take on your allergic reaction claim and help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve. They will offer you support and advice throughout the claims process and handle all communication with the other side on your behalf.
In any compensation claim, it is essential to prove who was to blame and how you suffered due to their negligence. To support a food allergy compensation claim, you would typically need the following types of evidence:
The most common 14 food allergens, as recognised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), are:
According to the Food Standards Agency, around 1-2% of the UK population is allergic to at least one of the above. Food businesses must ensure the safety of consumers and declare all allergens in their products. Failure to follow food safety laws could make them liable for food allergy compensation.
Examples of negligence that could lead to a food allergy claim include:
According to the Food Information Regulations 2014, all industries that supply food must inform customers if any of the 14 allergens above are present in the products they are selling. Thus, you can claim even if you did not notify a restaurant or food retailer about your allergy, as it is their duty to warn you about any potential allergens present in their products.
Below, we have answered some of the most common questions we receive from people who want to claim food allergy compensation. For further information, do not hesitate to contact us by calling 0800 470 0474 or using our online claim form. You will receive a free consultation with an experienced solicitor who will explain everything to you in detail.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can cause fatalities without immediate intervention. If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence and you qualify as their dependent, you might be entitled to make an allergy claim.
You can receive compensation for the lost income expected from your loved one, as well as loss of services such as childcare and doing household chores. Furthermore, you could recover funeral expenses and get a bereavement award of £15,120 for your grief and suffering.
If you suffered an allergic reaction while in another country, you could still make a compensation claim. If you got ill while travelling on a package holiday booked through a UK-based operator, you could claim in the UK, regardless of where you travelled.
If you booked your trip independently, a personal injury solicitor could still help you claim against the responsible business. Based on your circumstances, you may have to start your claim abroad, which can sometimes be beneficial and result in a higher compensation settlement. However, it can also be more difficult, as the rules will vary from country to country.
Yes. As a parent or legal guardian, you are entitled to claim food allergy compensation for your child. Your solicitor will guide you through the claims process and help you apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend.
Once appointed, you will have several responsibilities, such as signing legal documents and making decisions about the claim. If you secure compensation for your child, a judge must decide whether the settlement is fair during an Infant Approval Hearing in court.
The time limit to start a food allergy compensation claim is three years, starting from the date you got ill. Under the Limitation Act 1980, your case will no longer be valid if you don’t take legal action within this timeframe. There are a few exceptions to this rule:
The amount of compensation you deserve for your allergy claim will depend on the specific losses you incurred. These are grouped into two types of damages:
According to our compensation calculator, you could receive up to £690 if you are expected to make a full recovery within a week and up to £2,450 if a complete recovery may take up to three months. This does not include special damages, such as lost wages and medication costs, which would be added on top of these amounts.
If you are entitled to claim compensation following an allergic reaction, your solicitor will offer you a 100% no win no fee* agreement. With this service, you only have to pay them if and after you receive compensation. Their success fee is capped at 25% of your settlement, and there are no hidden costs.
With no win on fee, you also have After the Event (ATE) insurance included in your arrangement. This policy will cover all your costs and disbursements if your food allergy claim is unsuccessful, including the defendant’s.
To find out if you are entitled to compensation, get in touch with an experienced solicitor by calling free on 0800 470 0474 or using our online claim form.